INTERPROFESSIONAL COLLABORATION IN PRIMARY AND HOSPITAL HEALTHCARE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM-BASED CARE INVOLVING HEALTH EDUCATORS, CLINICAL NUTRITIONISTS, NURSES, LABORATORY TECHNICIANS, HEALTH ASSISTANTS, HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, AND PHYSICIANS

Abstract

Background: Interprofessional collaboration is an essential component of high-quality healthcare, promoting coordinated, patient-centered care through effective teamwork among healthcare professionals. In both primary and hospital settings, collaboration between health educators, clinical nutritionists, nurses, laboratory technicians, health assistants, physicians, and health information technology (HIT) systems has been associated with improved care coordination, patient safety, and clinical outcomes. Objective: This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of multidisciplinary team-based care involving health educators, clinical nutritionists, nurses, laboratory technicians, health assistants, physicians, and health information technology in primary and hospital healthcare settings, with a focus on patient outcomes, quality of care, and implementation challenges. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) guidelines. Electronic searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for studies published between 2015 and 2025. Studies evaluating interprofessional collaboration involving at least two of the targeted healthcare professions in primary or hospital care were included. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers, and study quality was assessed using standardized critical appraisal tools. Due to heterogeneity in study designs and outcome measures, findings were synthesized narratively. Results: Thirty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. Overall, the evidence demonstrated that multidisciplinary collaboration improved patient safety, quality of care, chronic disease management, medication safety, patient education, nutritional care, and continuity of care. Integrated teamwork also enhanced communication, reduced medical errors, increased patient satisfaction, and supported more efficient clinical decision-making. Health information technology, particularly electronic health records and clinical decision support systems, facilitated communication and information sharing across professional groups. However, common barriers included limited interprofessional training, unclear professional roles, communication challenges, organizational constraints, and inconsistent technology integration. Conclusion: The findings indicate that interprofessional collaboration in primary and hospital healthcare contributes to better patient outcomes and more efficient healthcare delivery. Strengthening multidisciplinary teamwork through organizational support, interprofessional education, role clarification, and effective use of health information technology may further enhance the quality and safety of healthcare services.